Health condition millions suffer from ‘linked to dangerous driving’, warn scientists

DRIVING under the influence of drink or drugs, including prescription drugs, is usually to blame for cases of dangerous driving.

But according to a new study, a condition that up to 10 per cent of people in England have could also make you more of a liability on the road as you age.

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Nearly 400 people aged 65 years and older were studied by researchers at Washington University for a year.

Those with major depressive disorder were found to be riskier drivers than those without the condition.  

Participants with depression were more likely to drive unpredictably, brake abruptly, and take corners too quickly.

The Mental Health Foundation says four to 10 per cent of people in England will experience depression in their lifetime.

In 2019, Public Health England said depression affects an estimated 40 per cent of older people in care homes, but it is often unidentified.

Older drivers can be involved in car accidents for a number of reasons, including impaired eyesight and decreased reaction times.

But the researchers say depression in older people makes them more likely to be reckless drivers because of the disorder’s effects on concentration and reflexes. 

Their study suggests depression could be a contributor, leading the researchers to conclude early diagnosis of the condition in elderly people could make the road safer for everyone. 

A previous study carried out by the research group found people over the age of 65 with major depressive disorder were three times more likely to fail a driving test than people without the condition.

They followed a sample of 395 participants around age 70, for between a year and two years. 

Out of all the participants, 85 had been diagnosed with major depressive disorder, but were otherwise considered mentally healthy. 

Each participant’s car was fitted with a special piece of hardware that monitored their driving habits from the time they turned the car on to the time they turned it off.

Speed was measured, as well as trips taken at night, how harsh they braked, and the velocity of turns.

All these factors helped in assessing participants’ driving skills, long before an accident.

It was found people with depression were more likely to speeds, take corners at a quicker speed, and break more harshly than people without the condition.

The researchers also concluded people with the condition drove more erratically overall. 

They said: “Participants with major depressive disorder were associated with more risky driving behaviours over time and compared with the control group.”

The pattern remained the same after the researchers controlled for other factors that could influence driving behaviours, such as medication use.

Older people, especially those with depression, might benefit from taking extra precautions when driving, the researchers suggested. 

This could include avoiding driving at night if you find it difficult to see in the dark or driving during bad weather.

The researchers also recommended building out better screening for older drivers to make them more aware of the risks.

They said: “Regular screening for depression and cognitive impairments in older drivers, coupled with assessing driving fitness and tailored driving safety programs and support systems, can help enhance road safety and maintain the independence of older adults.”